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Mike Trout Has Clear Message With Angels Facing Trade Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 4:25 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels have dealt with an injury to their best player and an unexpected coaching change, but they're still standing. The team is 47-48 heading into Sunday's bout with the Arizona Diamondbacks despite future Hall of Famer Mike Trout previously missing time with a knee injury and manager Ron Washington stepping away for health reasons.

Los Angeles is three games behind the Seattle Mariners for the AL's third and final Wild Card spot. The club has a chance of making the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

However, the front office must decide how confident it is in its squad. If it thinks this success is a mirage, it could be sellers rather than buyers as the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches.

Trout thinks that the front office believes in the club, via The Athletic's Sam Blum.

“I think they know [of the team's potential]. They’re down here, they see it and they feel it,” the three-time AL MVP said. “They know the guys we got in this clubhouse. It’s fun to come to the ballpark.”

The Angels are 5-5 in their last 10 games and are 24-22 at home.

Kenley Jansen doesn't want to be traded. "Not finishing here would be disappointing. My mission is the Angels."

The Angels, as a team/org, seem motivated to go for it this year.

But with the deadline approaching, is that approach prudent?

Story: https://t.co/Z43I7z4mlj pic.twitter.com/VakTplp8js
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) July 13, 2025

One of the players who could be traded is closer Kenley Jansen, via Blum. The 37-year-old, who is MLB's active saves leader, signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles this past offseason. He has a 3.38 ERA and 16 saves over 38 appearances this season.

The Angels will hit the road to face the Philadelphia Phillies after the All-Star break.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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